alelo
/aˈle.lo/
The Hawaiian word for tongue is alelo. Wiktionary also lists elelo and lelo.
Meaning: organ (noun)
Ways to say it
| Hawaiian | IPA |
|---|---|
| alelo | /aˈle.lo/ |
| elelo | |
| lelo |
This noun refers to the organ in the mouth used for tasting and swallowing.
Which one should you use?
The pack provides three variations: alelo, elelo and lelo.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /aˈle.lo/.
Did you know?
- In Hawaiian, the word alelo is used to mean both the physical 'tongue' and the 'language' spoken by a people.
- The word alelo shares a common ancestor with the Māori word arero, meaning the linguistic roots of 'tongue' stretch across the entire Polynesian triangle.
- In some Hawaiian contexts, the word for 'tongue' can be used to describe the 'tip' or 'point' of an object, similar to how English uses 'tongue' for a shoe part.
Examples in context
- ʻO kēia ka ōlelo o nā kūpuna.This is the language of the ancestors.
- Ua ʻino ka alelo o ka pēhenē.The cat's tongue is sore.
- Hiki iāʻu ke ʻike i ka alelo.I can see the tongue.
Example conversation
Noelani is helping Kai at a health clinic.
- NoelaniE wehe i kouu waha, Kai.Open your mouth, Kai.
- KaiHe aha ka problema?What is the problem?
- NoelaniMakemake au e nānā i kou alelo.I want to look at your tongue.
- KaiʻAe, e nānā mai.Yes, go ahead and look.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tongue” translations and entries alelo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alelo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
